All About Us
Get to Know the CVB
We’re more than just a welcome center — we’re storytellers, community champions, and proud ambassadors for the place we call home. At the Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau, we work to spotlight all the amazing things happening across our region — from vibrant downtowns and scenic trails to world-class events and can’t-miss experiences.
Whether you’re a visitor planning your first trip or a local cheering us on, there’s a place for you in the Hickory Metro’s hospitality story.
Our Vision
To inspire locals and visitors to discover all that the Hickory Metro has to offer.
Our Mission
As the Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA), our mission is to market and enhance the economy of the Hickory Metro by promoting conventions, meetings, and tourism to the area.
Want to See Our Impact?
Check out our Annual Reports for the inside scoop. You'll find key tourism stats, economic impact data, convention center updates, and more — all in one place.
Curious About What’s New?
Whether you're a journalist, content creator, or just someone who loves good storytelling, our Press Center is packed with story ideas, sample itineraries, high-res images, and media trip info. It's your one-stop shop for sharing the Hickory Metro with the world.
Want to Work With Us?
Do you have a passion for community, creativity, and all things hospitality? We’re always on the lookout for enthusiastic, mission-driven people to help us tell the Hickory Metro story and create meaningful visitor experiences.
Whether you're a marketing pro, event planner, sales expert, or just love where you live — you might be a perfect fit for our team!
👉 Check out our Current Open Positions to learn more and see how you can be part of something impactful.
What Is the CVB, Anyway?
We get this question a lot — so let’s break it down.
The Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is:
• A Destination Marketing Organization (DMO)
• A Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
• And a whole team of people passionate about promoting the Hickory Metro as a place to visit, meet, and explore
What We Do (And Why It Matters)
We work to attract visitors, meetings, conferences, sports tournaments, trade shows, and leisure travelers to the Hickory Metro. Why? Because tourism supports local businesses, creates jobs, and strengthens our community in ways you see — and feel.
Bonus: We’re lucky to be located in one of the most beautiful spots around — right here in the scenic Foothills of North Carolina!
How We’re Funded
Our work is powered by tourism — literally!
• 6% Occupancy Tax: Every time someone stays in a hotel, motel, Airbnb, or VRBO in our area, a portion of that goes directly toward supporting tourism marketing and development.
• Convention Center Revenue: Events hosted at the Hickory Metro Convention Center also help fund the work we do.
Meet the Hickory Metro Convention Center
One space. One team. Endless possibilities.
The Hickory Metro Convention Center isn’t just a building — it’s where ideas come to life, teams come together, and really big things happen. With 132,000+ square feet of flexible space, including our newly expanded Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, we’re built to host just about anything: sports tournaments, public expos, trade shows, corporate meetings, conventions, and everything in between.
But here’s the best part: we’re a one-stop shop. The same team that promotes our region (👋 hi, we’re the CVB) is the same team helping you plan your event. That means fewer handoffs, more high-fives, and support from day one to the final send-off.
From layout to logistics, we’ve got your back — with the kind of Southern hospitality that keeps people coming back.
Ready to book or browse the space? Check out the Convention Center here.
Why Visitors Matter
Every visitor plays a role in shaping our future. Here’s how:
Visitor ➡️ Fan ➡️ Future Resident ➡️ Business Owner ➡️ Community Advocate
Visitors share their experiences through social media, reviews, and word-of-mouth — inspiring more people to come explore. And sometimes, a weekend getaway can turn into a lifelong connection with our community.
Thinking About Making a Move?
Whether you're relocating for work, family, or just a fresh start, the Hickory Metro is a place where you can truly make a life — not just a living. With scenic beauty, a low cost of living, and a strong sense of community, it's no wonder we’re ranked one of the best (and most affordable) places to live in the U.S.
👉 Explore our Relocation Info here to see why so many are proud to call Catawba County home.
What’s Impacting the Industry?
Like many communities, the travel and hospitality industry in the Hickory Metro faces some big-picture challenges. These issues affect how we plan, promote, and serve both visitors and locals.
Here are a few key factors shaping our industry right now:
• 📅 School Calendars — Statewide schedules can shorten peak travel seasons
• 🦠 Endemic Conditions — Ongoing shifts from the pandemic continue to impact travel habits
• 👥 Staffing Shortages — Fewer workers in hospitality means higher stress on existing teams
• 💸 Inflation & Rising Costs — From food to fuel to wages, rising prices affect every part of the visitor experience
But here’s the good news: you can help.
How You Can Support Local Tourism
It takes a whole community to keep tourism thriving — and every little bit counts. Here’s how you can get involved:
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📲 Follow and Share
Like, comment on, and share our posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest — it helps expand our reach and showcase what makes the Hickory Metro special. -
🏡 Be a Local Host
Invite your friends and family to visit for a weekend. Word-of-mouth is powerful — and nothing beats a local recommendation! -
🧳 Bring Events to Hickory
Are you part of a professional association or club? Suggest Hickory as the host city for your next conference, trade show, or annual meeting. -
🎓 Promote Industry Education
Spread the word about career pathways like the CVCC Hospitality Academy — a great resource for building the next generation of tourism professionals. -
🎤 Let Us Speak to Your Group
We love sharing what we do! Invite us to speak at your civic group, classroom, or business meeting to help raise awareness. -
🤝 Join Our Tourism Partner Group
If you’re in the hospitality or tourism industry, become part of our partner network and help shape the future of tourism in the Hickory Metro.
Looking to Contact our Staff?
Find us here.
